my uttarakhand news BureauDehradun, 18 Jan: Supreme Court Judge Justice Ujjal Bhuyan said today that, by recognising several positive rights related to the lives of ordinary citizens, the Supreme Court has strengthened democracy. However, for a strong democracy, it is equally important that ‘we continuously evaluate ourselves, identify our shortcomings, and commit to doing better in the future’.
Justice Bhuyan was addressing a special programme on the theme, “75 Years of the Indian Constitution”, at Graphic Era Hill University as the Chief Guest. He highlighted the preamble and the living, progressive nature of the Indian Constitution. He said that the Constitution has brought socially marginalised sections into the mainstream by granting them dignity, identity, and rights, and by giving a voice to the voiceless. He emphasised that the Constitution is not a static document, but an ongoing process, and that society and institutions must always remain vigilant and aware to protect its spirit.
He said that 75 years of the Supreme Court mark a historic milestone in India’s democratic journey, during which the Court has played a decisive role in making the lives of citizens safer, more just, and more dignified. Calling the Supreme Court the guardian of the Constitution, he described the Indian Constitution as a social document and a transformative instrument that guides society from inequality toward justice and equality.
Justice Bhuyan referred to landmark Supreme Court cases such as Kesavananda Bharati, Indira Gandhi, Maneka Gandhi, and Golaknath, and also mentioned the thoughts and principles of India’s first Chief Justice, Justice HJ Kania, and Justice HR Khanna. He stated that for a strong judicial system, judicial independence, flexibility in judicial outlook, and most importantly, earning the trust and respect of citizens are essential, as public faith is the true strength of the judiciary.
Sharing experiences from his own life, Justice Bhuyan inspired students by saying that self-confidence is a process that develops over time. He said that self-doubt is natural, but with patience, openness of mind, and consistent effort, a person moves forward. He encouraged students to be ready for change and remain confident, noting that the field of law is full of limitless opportunities.
Discussing future challenges, he said that maintaining the independence of the judiciary is democracy’s greatest responsibility. He added that maintaining balanced relations between the Centre and the States is another major challenge. Emphasising the future role of Artificial Intelligence, he said that technology should not become an obstacle to justice, but rather a powerful means to make justice more accessible and effective. Justice Bhuyan not only effectively presented the values of the Constitution and the role of the judiciary, but also delivered a strong message to citizens to protect the Constitution and imbibe its ideals in their lives.
Justice Ujjal Bhuyan inaugurated the programme by lighting the ceremonial lamp. The Vice-Chancellor of Graphic Era Deemed University, Dr Narpinder Singh, welcomed the chief guest, while the Vice-Chancellor of Graphic Era Hill University, Dr Amit R Bhatt, proposed the vote of thanks.
On this occasion, Dr Narpinder Singh and Dr Amit R Bhatt presented mementoes to District and Sessions Judge Prem Singh Khimal and Chief Judicial Magistrate Rinki Sahani as a mark of appreciation.
The programme was jointly organised by the School of Law of Graphic Era Deemed University and Graphic Era Hill University. Present at the event were Pro-Chancellor of Graphic Era Deemed University Dr Rakesh Kumar Sharma, Pro Vice-Chancellor Dr Santosh S Sarraf, Registrar Dr Naresh Kumar Sharma, Registrar of Graphic Era Hill University Dr DK Joshi, Director, Infrastructure, Dr Subhash Gupta, Dean, School of Law (GE Deemed University), Dr Daisy Alexander, Dean, International Affairs Dr DR Gangodkar, Head, School of Law (Graphic Era Hill University), Dr Vivek Goyal, along with other officials, deans, heads of departments, faculty members, and students. The programme was held at the KP Nautiyal Auditorium of Graphic Era Hill University and was conducted by Dr Bharti Sharma. On this occasion, students also asked their questions related to the Constitution.
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